HOT FLASHES: What’s going on at Enigma...

HOT FLASHES: What’s going on at Enigma Records? Enigma execs acknowledge that the troubled label will lay off about 30 staffers before the end of the year. The label, which has such artists as Mojo Nixon, Stryper and David Cassidy, is also ending its partnership and distribution deal with Capitol Records. Insiders say Enigma’s top brass are talking with two major labels about making a new partnership arrangement, but it could be many weeks before a deal is done. Enigma staffers are hotly denying rumors that the label could be forced to close its doors by Christmas. . . . Move over George Michael and make room for . . . Bart Simpson? That’s right--it’s time for the long-awaited “The Simpsons Sing the Blues,” which surfaces Dec. 4 after months of tight-lipped secrecy (and erroneous rumors that Michael Jackson would be performing on the album). Songs include a “School Days” duet between Bart and Buster Poindexter (with Joe Walsh on lead guitar), Bart’s “Deep Deep Trouble” (co-written and produced by DJ Jazzy Jeff), Homer’s “Born Under a Bad Sign” (with B.B. King on guitar) and “I’d Love to See You Smile,” a Homer & Marge duet, with Dr. John on piano and Roger McGuinn on banjo. The albums’s first single, “Do the Bartman,” will premiere on the Dec. 6 episode of the TV show.